Four Cochise College students have been named to the 2015 All-Arizona Academic Team and will receive tuition waivers to complete their bachelor’s degrees at one of the state’s public universities.
On Feb. 18, Blake Suarez, Michelle Valenzuela, Fernando Gomez and Nailea Leon will be among 74 community college students from across the state to be awarded scholarships from the Arizona Board of Regents. The scholarships are part of the All-Arizona Academic Team program, which aims to point the best and brightest community college students toward enrollment at Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona. Since the program began in the 1990s, more than 1,000 full-ride scholarships have been awarded to Arizona community college students.
Students nominated to the All-Arizona Academic Team are evaluated for academic performance and service to the college and the community. The nominations are reviewed first by business, civic, education and government leaders, then judged a second time by representatives of various federal agencies and education associations. They are ranked and placed accordingly on first, second and third academic teams. First Team students go on to compete for placement on the All-USA Academic Team, announced later in the spring in USA Today, co-sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa, the American Association of Community Colleges and USA Today.
Suarez and Gomez were placed on the All-Arizona Second Team, and Valenzuela and Leon were each named to the All-Arizona Third Team. In addition to tuition waivers, each of Cochise College’s All-Arizona scholars receive a cash scholarship from the Cochise College Foundation in the amount of $750 for Second Team and $500 for Third Team.
Cochise College’s All-Arizona scholars:
Blake Suarez
Blake Suarez, of Sierra Vista, is currently the president of the Sierra Vista Campus Student Government Association. He is majoring in biology and is set to transfer to the University of Arizona, with plans to eventually become a neurologist and “help patients through innovative technologies.”
Suarez has spent much of his college career practicing undergraduate research with instructors in the Cochise College Science Department. The student research team members have been recognized at local, regional and national levels for their work in two separate studies: Callosobruchus maculatus (also known as the bean beetle) and wildlife navigation along the San Pedro River.
“Ever since I was young, I wanted to pursue a career as a medical doctor,” he said. “My culture and family instilled in me a sense of morality, which compelled me to do right by others and help them whenever possible. This further perpetuated my decision to fulfill my moral calling to help people in the place where the biggest impact can be made: the medical field.”
Suarez also has been a representative on the National Collegiate Honors Council and is a former vice president of communications for Phi Theta Kappa – Alpha Mu Zeta chapter.
Michelle Valenzuela
Michelle Valenzuela, of Douglas, is majoring in social work at the Cochise College Douglas Campus with plans to transfer to the University of Arizona.
Valenzuela is the president of the college’s W.I.S.H. Club, an offshoot of the Holocaust Project service learning class in which college students mentor local public school children and encourage them to be positive role models in their schools and communities.
“My community service learning experience helped me set my career goals,” she said. “I started college not knowing where I wanted to direct my career, but because of service learning, I know exactly what I want to do with my life. My passion is to help others.”
Valenzuela is also a member of Phi Theta Kappa – Alpha Beta Zeta chapter and received the Outstanding Performance and Leadership award for her efforts contributing to the mission of the Holocaust Project.
Fernando Gomez
Fernando Gomez, of Douglas, is an engineering student on the Douglas Campus with plans to transfer to the University of Arizona and become a mining engineer.
Gomez is active in the community of Agua Prieta, Sonora, in an organization that promotes civic engagement among young people. As the president of coordination for the group, he encourages individuals to participate in political events and community activities.
“I have expectations for myself, and one of them is being productive to my country,” he said of his college and career goals. “Being an example to my community has always been a dream of mine. I am also committed to honoring my family and rewarding them for their investment in me.”
Gomez is a peer math tutor on campus, a member of Phi Theta Kappa – Alpha Beta Zeta chapter, and a participant in Relay for Life.
Nailea Leon
Nailea Leon, of Rio Rico, is majoring in journalism and media arts at the Santa Cruz Center. She plans to transfer to Arizona State University to pursue a career in news reporting.
Leon stays active and involved at the Santa Cruz Center through her work-study hours and volunteer opportunities. She also has an internship with a local magazine.
“I plan to continue my education in journalism to further my knowledge and better understand my career,” she said. “I want to be a broadcast journalist, working for a national or local TV station. I want to travel and inform people about what occurs in the world. I’m aiming big; I don’t plan to settle for anything small.”
Since 2012, Leon has volunteered with Team Anonymous, a weekly teen support program that offers activities and resources for troubled youth.